Republican Convention is held in Chicago, Illinois. William H. Seward, Salmon P. Chase and Abraham Lincoln of Illinois are the leading contenders from a field of 12 candidates. Lincoln wins on the third ballot. Hannibal Hamlin of Maine, an outspoken, long-time abolitionist is chosen for vice-president.

The Confederate States of America attempts a peaceful adjustment of issues arising from separation (Forsyth and Crawford). Secretary of State William Seward, under the direction of the President, refuses

Abraham Lincoln reads a draft of the Emancipation Proclaimation to Secretary of State William Seward and Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles, both strong abolitionists. Seward begins talking about the problems it will cause. Welles sits there dumbfounded

President Abraham Lincoln, William Seward and Frank Blair, along with diplomats, foreign visitors, a military guard and a Marine band leave Washington D. C. on a "special" 4-car train organized by the B&O Railroad

On the River Queen five men, US President Abraham Lincoln, US Secretary of State William Seward, CS Vice-president Alexander Stephens, along with John Campbell and RMT Hunter discuss peace terms at the Hampton Roads Conference near Fort Monroe. The conference was a failure.